Abstract: The current invention utilizes a downhole gamma ray counter having a processor and database to radially allocate gamma ray counts into buckets. Once a circumferential count is completed the buckets are utilized to form a pattern. The created pattern is then compared to various patterns within the database. Once a corresponding pattern is found within the database a value that is assigned to that pattern is transmitted to the surface. On the surface a surface processor compares the value to the values within the surface database finding the pattern assigned to that value. The surface processor and estimates the time of creation of the pattern downhole and uses the estimated time of creation and the pattern from the surface database to create an image of a portion of a wellbore.

Abstract: The current invention utilizes a downhole gamma ray counter having a processor and database to radially allocate gamma ray counts into buckets. Once a circumferential count is completed the buckets are utilized to form a pattern. The created pattern is then compared to various patterns within the database. Once a corresponding pattern is found within the database a value that is assigned to that pattern is transmitted to the surface. On the surface a surface processor compares the value to the values within the surface database finding the pattern assigned to that value. The surface processor and estimates the time of creation of the pattern downhole and uses the estimated time of creation and the pattern from the surface database to create an image of a portion of a wellbore.

Abstract: A bit breaker for loosening or tightening a drill bit on a drill string incorporating a mud motor permits rotation of the drill bit while the bit box is held stationary. The bit breaker has a lower body which is held stationary on the rig floor and an upper body which houses the drill bit and which is connected to the lower body through a rotational connection. An actuator connected between the upper and lower bodies causes the upper body to rotate relative to lower body for co-rotating the drill bit. The bit box of the mud motor is held stationary using the lower tong of a conventional make-and-break unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology is provided for directional drilling which avoid the effects of static friction between the drill string and the borehole. The drill string is rotated continuously in one direction during rotating drilling and during steering. During steering, the rotary speed of the drill string is varied within a revolution and substantially similarly for each of a plurality of subsequent revolutions. The drill string is rotated very slowly when oriented at or near the desired orientation to achieve the desired change in direction and then rotated much faster during the balance of each revolution. This angular velocity profile results in drilling at or near a desired orientation for a high percentage of the time it takes for each revolution. Changes in an effective tool-face orientation can be effected by shifting the phase of the velocity profile.

Abstract: Apparatus and methodology is provided for directional drilling which avoid the effects of static friction between the drill string and the borehole. The drill string is rotated continuously in one direction during rotating drilling and during steering. During steering, the rotary speed of the drill string is varied within a revolution and substantially similarly for each of a plurality of subsequent revolutions. The drill string is be rotated very slowly when oriented at or near the desired orientation to achieve the desired change in direction and then rotated much faster during the balance of each revolution. This angular velocity profile results in drilling at or near a desired orientation for a high percentage of the time it takes for each revolution. Changes in an effective tool-face orientation can be effected by shifting the phase of the velocity profile.

Abstract: A mobile snubbing system and method of operation transports a snubbing unit to a wellhead on a mobile platform. The snubbing unit is supported by a frame pivotable about a wellhead end of the platform for aligning the snubbing unit with the wellhead. A pipe handler boom is operable between a platform position for loading and off-loading tubulars at an open side of the platform and a second snubbing position for loading and off-loading tubulars at the top end of the snubbing unit. The boom can be telescopic for extending to the top of the snubbing unit and can be automated after learning tubular manipulation at the wellhead. Pipe racks can be deployable from the open side of the platform and an indexer and kicker in the platform enables loading and off-loading tubulars at the pipe handler.

Abstract: A mobile snubbing system and method of operation transports a snubbing unit to a wellhead on a mobile platform. The snubbing unit is supported by a frame pivotable about a wellhead end of the platform for aligning the snubbing unit with the wellhead. A pipe handler boom is operable between a platform position for loading and off-loading tubulars at an open side of the platform and a second snubbing position for loading and off-loading tubulars at the top end of the snubbing unit. The boom can be telescopic for extending to the top of the snubbing unit and can be automated after learning tubular manipulation at the wellhead. Pipe racks can be deployable from the open side of the platform and an indexer and kicker in the platform enables loading and off-loading tubulars at the pipe handler.

Abstract: A conventional land drilling rig is interconnected to the substructure for an oilfield pad location. The interconnected drilling rig is placed on top of matting. The matting has embedded rollers to facilitate movement of the drilling rig as a “convoy” across the mat from one wellhead to another wellhead. The buildings in the mud tank system may also be interconnected and move in a separate convoy but in tandem with the first convoy.

Abstract: A novel rotary table is secured to the top of a well's BOP simplifying the making up of sectional tubing joints used in some aspects of operations with coiled tubing. The rotary table comprises top a bottom stationary housing affixed to the BOP, a top housing supported on the bottom housing by an annular bearing, a split clamp to transferring the weight of the tubing to the top housing and seals between the top and bottom housings and between the top housing and the tubing. More preferably, a coiled tubing rig is provided having a frame, a tiltable mast, an injector reel, a tubing straightener and a jib crane in combination with the rotary table for increased functionality including drilling surface hole using coiled tubing. The mast tilts between two positions, either aligning coiled tubing and injector with the BOP or aligning a jib crane and tubing elevators for manipulating sectional tubing including BHA onto and through the rotary table.

Abstract: A first rig comprises a collapsible mast having one open side for receiving conventional sectional tubing and a second open side for receiving the injector of a second coiled tubing injection rig. Accordingly, lengths of sectional tubulars can be bandied or drawn up the first open side from the first rig; and coiled tubing can be introduced from the second side. A combination of strong and dual draw works, the dual open side mast and rotary table of a conventional rig minimize serial handling and enable making up both sectional tubing for assembling BHA's, drilling surface hole and making up to non-rotating coiled tubing from the coiled tubing injector.

Abstract: A novel rotary table is secured to the top of a well's BOP simplifying the making up of sectional tubing joints used in some aspects of operations with coiled tubing. The rotary table comprises top a bottom stationary housing affixed to the BOP, a top housing supported on the bottom housing by an annular bearing, a split clamp to transferring the weight of the tubing to the top housing and seals between the top and bottom housings and between the top housing and the tubing. More preferably, a coiled tubing rig is provided having a frame, a tiltable mast, an injector reel, a tubing straightener and a jib crane in combination with the rotary table for increased functionality including drilling surface hole using coiled tubing. The mast tilts between two positions, either aligning coiled tubing and injector with the BOP or aligning a jib crane and tubing elevators for manipulating sectional tubing including BHA onto and through the rotary table.

Abstract: An injector is provided for injecting and withdrawing large diameter coiled tubing comprising a linear section of gripping blocks driven on an endless chain conveyor. The coiled tubing is forced into frictional engagement with the blocks by a corresponding linear array of rollers. The arrangement is gentle on the coiled tubing. The injector is not restricted in length and thus provides a linear driving section of configurable length for providing superior injection and pulling capacities. In combination with the strong draw works, the mast and rotary table of a conventional rig enables making up both sectional tubing for assembling BHA's, drilling surface hole and making up to non-rotating coiled tubing from the injector. Using a mast having two open sides and with dual draw works, increased functionality is provided and less serial handling.